Ginsenoside Rg1 attenuates hepatic insulin resistance induced by high-fat and high-sugar by inhibiting inflammation

Ginsenoside Rg1 is the active ingredient of Chinese herbal medicine ginseng and sanqi, which has remarkable effects on anti-inflammation and anti-diabetes. In this study, we explored the molecular mechanism of ginsenoside Rg1 against diabetes in rat subjected to insulin resistance induced by high-fat and high-sugar (HFHS). Biochemical analysis revealed that ginsenoside Rg1 significantly decreased the serum levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein and increased the serum levels of high-density lipoprotein, which indicated ginsenoside Rg1 improved the extent of hepatic steatosis. Furthermore, ginsenoside Rg1 suppressed the expression of IL-1β, IL-6,TNF-α,NF-κB and G6Pase, however, p-Akt was up-regulated. These results suggested that ginsenosideRg1 improved insulin resistance through suppressing inflammatory response and glucose output, which may be a potential therapeutic strategy in protecting hepatic steatosis.